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Transcript of Thymus

Thymus The thymus is located in the center of the chest, between the lungs, and above the heart. http://catalog.nucleusinc.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=14932 Where is it? Parts of the Tymus increase metabolic rateaffect protine synthesisregulate bone growthincrease the body's sensitivity o Thymopoietin o Thymosin http://www.angioworld.com/immunology/index.htm o TF - thymic factor regulate the immune systemt-lymphocytes mature, and learn about the foreign cells The Thymus produces 4 hormones; o THF - thymic humoral factor http://www.buzzle.com/articles/thymus-gland-function.html http://www.innvista.com/health/anatomy/thymus.htm Other cells produce thymosins. They promote the maturation of the lymphoctes within the gland as well as the growth and activity throughout the body. The thymus is large in babies, when it must produce the most white blood cells. After puberty, it shrinks, in size and in the hormones that it secrets. As one ages, it becomes smaller. Thymectomy The thymus is only removed in adults, since it is needed as a child. The tymus is most commonly removed if a patient has MG or a tumor. Myasthenia Gravis (MG) It is a neuromuscular disease leading to muscle weakness and fatiguability. It is caused by circulating antibodies that block receptors at the nuromuscular junction. Dieases of the Thymus Gland Thymoma Tumorsdiognosed through x-rayscancerous cells look very similar to those of normal thymus tissue diognosics ◦X-rays◦Blood tests◦Urine tests◦Muscle strength tests◦Breathing tests Possible Complications •Bleeding•Infection•Damage to other organs•Nerve injury•Respiratory failure If patient is overe the age of 60, then they are at a higher risk Prepare for surgury •Follow a special diet, which may include withholding foods and fluids before surgery.•Take prescribed medicines.•Stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:◦ >Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs, and blood thinners, such as-clopidogrel (Plavix)-warfarin (Coumadin) There are 3 ways to approach the surgury. Incision in the skin over the brestbone. The breastbone wil be pulled apart. The thymus gland will be removed, and stiches or staples will be put in place. There are two main kinds of cancer that can develop in the thymus. Thymic Carcinomas cancercells do not resemble regular thymus cellsthey grow more rapidly are more likely to spread to other tissues. Thymoma causes Maysthenia Gravis Some common symtoms include; A cough that doesn't go awayChest painTrouble breathing http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/thymoma/hic_thymoma_and_thymic_carcinoma.aspx Transsternal- Transcervical- Small incision in acroos the lower part of the neck, just above the brestbon. The thymus gland will be removed, and stiches or staples will be put in place. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)orA robot-assisted thoracic procedures - This is a less invasive option. A few incisions are made in the area, and a timy camerea is inserted through ne of the incisions. The camera will send images to a moitior and robotic arms may be used to do the surgery. Special tools will be passed through the remaining incisions to remove the thymus After the surguy, if everything goes right, there will be no major changes in lifestyle of the patient. http://www.myasthenia.org/ http://www.livestrong.com/article/185768-disorders-of-the-thymus-gland/ has 2 lobes that are divided by setum or a wall.the lobule is a densely packed outer cortex with a paler center called the medulla The cortex is divided and the T-cells mature in one part. Then the migrate into the medula and enter one of the blood vessels.